Detroit Tigers: Connections to the 2018 NCAA Tournament

Midwest Region

3. Michigan State: The Detroit Tigers boast two former Spartans on their organizational depth chart. Outfielder Cam Gibson, the son of former Tiger and current broadcaster Kirk Gibson, hit a combined .262 with 13 homers across two levels last year. Blaise Salter had a good 2017 at the plate as well, hitting .304 and driving in 75 runs.

5. Clemson: A second round pick of the Rangers in 2011, southpaw Will Lamb is a minor league veteran looking to reach the majors for the first time. Righty Clate Schmidt was drafted three times, including twice by the Tigers, before signing. Since joining Detroit in 2016, Schmidt has a 4.69 ERA.

6. TCU: Detroit has four former Horned Frogs in the system, including a pair of former second round picks. Entering his 11th pro season, outfielder Chad Huffman signed as a minor league free agent and was a non-roster invitee to spring camp. Southpaw Tyler Alexander was a second round pick in 2015 and spent all of last year at Double-A Erie.

A ninth round pick and teammate of Alexander’s at TCU, Trey Teakell hasn’t pitched since 2015 due to injuries. Born in Australia, Cam Warner played at four different levels of the organization after he was a 28th round pick last year.

16. Penn: Right-hander Billy Lescher was taken in the 17th round of last year’s draft, then proceeded to post a 2.66 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 22.0 innings last summer.

West Region

3. Michigan: Four former Wolverines are in the Detroit Tigers organization, including three left-handers. Trent Szkutnik had the best 2017, posting a 2.72 ERA in 89.1 innings for Class A West Michigan. Evan Hill had a solid year with the Whitecaps too, striking out 36 in 27.2 relief innings.

Grant Reuss was a 29th round pick last year, but really struggled in his first professional stint. Infielder Jake Bivens was a 27th round pick a year ago, and hit .267 with four steals in 24 games in the Gulf Coast League.

4. Gonzaga: The lone Zag in the system is lefty Ryan Carpenter, who is fighting for a spot in the rotation this spring.

5. Ohio State: Acquired in the Ian Kinsler trade, outfielder Troy Montgomery is entering his first season with Detroit. The former Buckeye has hit .279 with double-digit steals in each of his first two minor league campaigns.

6. Houston: A 12th round pick in 2015, Kyle Dowdy has made 38 starts in his two minor league seasons. The righty owns a combined 3.39 ERA in 241.2 innings and should reach Double-A this year.

7. Texas A&M: Led by big leaguer Alex Wilson, Detroit has three former Aggies in the system, all right-handed pitchers. Grayson Long was picked up in the Justin Upton deal, making just one appearance at Double-A Erie before the season ended.

Mark Ecker was a fifth round pick in 2016 and owns a 2.42 ERA through two minor league seasons. The 22-year old then added four scoreless outings in the Arizona Fall League.

Next: March Madness impacts many current Tigers

8. Missouri: Infielder Josh Lester split time between West Michigan and Lakeland last year, hitting .271 with 13 homers and and 66 RBI.

9. Florida State: A 32nd round pick last year, Drew Carlton was dominant in his first pro season. The righty posted a 1.08 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 25.0 innings across three levels.

12. South Dakota State: After pitching in indy ball the last two years, veteran Caleb Thielbar signed with Detroit in the offseason to provide some left-handed depth. Thielbar sported a 2.74 ERA in 98.2 relief innings for the Twins from 2013-15.

Tigers fans, let us know: which team(s) are you rooting for this March, and why? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.